Made in The Shades

Summer may be just about half way over, but that really means there’s at least another month and a half of beach trips, pool parties and patios in store for us all. And let’s face it, that hot god of a sun isn’t going to stop blasting us with it’s rays just because the calendar says the fall equinox is upon us. A solidly stylish pair of shades is a year 'round must, and this week The Good Guy weighs in with our pick of the best shades of summer 2010 – so far.

Anyone familiar with The Good Guy, and what it means to be one, is surely aware that trends may come and go, but true and lasting style is a precious and all-too-rare commodity. It’s true in every facet of fashion, and sunglasses are no exception. Our selection of the best Men’s Sunglasses of Summer 2010 is a testament to the durability of good taste, and in the lexicon of sunshade style, the classic aviator design stands tall to this day.

Revered for their adherence to “form follows function,” their traditional, time-honored simplicity receives a few subtle updates this season, from Tom Ford's Peter design, to the variety a materials and shapes in the latest Oliver Peoples collection. For our money (and literally, for the money) we still return to Ray Ban. With possibly the widest selection of aviator styles available, we laud the venerable Outdoorsman, whose shock-absorbing cross-bar and fully curved ear pieces make them equally suitable for big-game fishing off the coast, a day on the links or a simple, mojito supplemented sunset.


To update your look while sticking to a time-tested look with a little more flair, try Dior Homme’s tortoiseshell take on the aviator. With a nod to 70’s style, their gradient lenses fade to blunt the brightest rays while affording you a below radar peek at passing bikini bottoms. Departing from the aviator look altogether but still retaining more than a dash of retro cool are Burberry’s acrylic two-tone frames, adding interest and intrigue to afternoon and evening looks.


Taking retro style one super step forward (and back) is upstart brand Retro Super Future. Their hipper-than-thou W series, with more than a hint of ultra-mod, are the perfect for pairing with European cut clothing, or the now seemingly ubiquitous fedora. The colorful accents of their slimmer than typical take on the original wayfarer look will draw attention in a positive way those orange-tinted, reflective-framed, wraparound Oakley’s never will. We are looking directly at you NASCAR nation (but not you Richard Petty, you are still and truly the King).



As always, The Good Guy, secure behind the darkness of our polarized lenses, welcomes your feedback.